Fundraiser set for injured toddler

COAST CITIES — A special fundraiser is being held Dec. 14 and the community is being asked to help by attending and by donating an item for the silent auction. The event is being hosted by Charles and Linda Van Kessler, founders of Passion 4 K.I.D.S. (Kids in Desperate Situations).
Izaiah Wallis, 13-month-old son of Lucy Verde and Jacob Wallis of Oceanside, was being wheeled in his stroller to the park by his grandfather on the morning of Oct. 18 when he and his grandfather were struck by a teen drunk driver.
After five surgeries, Izaiah remains in a medically induced coma at Rady’s Children’s Hospital with severe brain damage, paralysis and possible blindness. His grandfather, Abraham Verde, is still recovering from his injuries.
At 7 p.m. Dec. 14, there will be a fundraiser at Paradise Point Resort, 1404 Vacation Road, San Diego near Mission Beach, for Izaiah to help with his medical bulls and long-term care, as the parents have no health insurance.
To donate an item, contact Linda Van Kessler at (760) 518-2780 or e-mail LSchwartz@aol.com. Sponsors will also pick up an item at your location.
Adrian Gonzalez, formerly of the San Diego Padres, will be on hand for the fundraiser, along with Dan Cohen, anchor for Channel 8 CBS news, plus music by Oscar Aragon, Flamenco guitarist.